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Mediating Role of the Six Sigma Implementation Strategy and Investment in Human Resources in Economic Success and Sustainability

Author

Listed:
  • Jorge Luis García-Alcaraz

    (Department of Industrial Engineering and Manufacturing, Universidad Autónoma de, Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua 32310, Mexico)

  • Giner Alor-Hernández

    (Division of Graduate Studies and Research, Instituto Tecnológico de Orizaba, Orizaba 94320, Mexico)

  • Cuauhtémoc Sánchez-Ramírez

    (Division of Graduate Studies and Research, Instituto Tecnológico de Orizaba, Orizaba 94320, Mexico)

  • Emilio Jiménez-Macías

    (Department of Electric Engineering, Universidad de La Rioja, 26004 Logroño, La Rioja, Spain)

  • Julio Blanco-Fernández

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Universidad de La Rioja, 26004 Logroño, La Rioja, Spain)

  • Juan I. Latorre-Biel

    (Department of Mechanical, Energy and Materials Engineering, Universidad de Navarra, 31006 Pamplona, Spain)

Abstract

Six Sigma is a methodology widely used in manufacturing production to guarantee quality and several factors facilitate its success. This paper presents a structural equations model to identify the relationships between managerial commitment, Six Sigma implementation strategy, investments in human resources and the economic benefits obtained; and five hypotheses are proposed. These variables are also related to sustainability, especially human resources, a paradigm very combinable with Six Sigma. The model is evaluated using partial least squares and information obtained from 301 Mexican manufacturing companies from different industrial sectors. The results indicate that managerial commitment is the basis for Six Sigma success, but requires an adequate implementation strategy focused on customers and their needs, which must integrate an investment plan in human resources that is focused on training and teamwork. In addition, managers must have a reward program that encourages motivation and recognizes the achievements of the human resources involved.

Suggested Citation

  • Jorge Luis García-Alcaraz & Giner Alor-Hernández & Cuauhtémoc Sánchez-Ramírez & Emilio Jiménez-Macías & Julio Blanco-Fernández & Juan I. Latorre-Biel, 2018. "Mediating Role of the Six Sigma Implementation Strategy and Investment in Human Resources in Economic Success and Sustainability," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(6), pages 1-21, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:10:y:2018:i:6:p:1828-:d:150126
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kleber F. Barcia & Lizzi Garcia-Castro & Jorge Abad-Moran, 2022. "Lean Six Sigma Impact Analysis on Sustainability Using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM): A Literature Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(5), pages 1-26, March.

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